New F-35B has important Airfix role
Welcome to this latest edition of our Workbench blog and all the news, updates and modelling exclusives from the fascinating world of Airfix.
When it comes to the world of aviation, any aircraft type which can claim to have dominated the skies during its period of service will always be of interest to enthusiasts and the general public alike, and therefore by association, also to the scale modelling world. Such historic aircraft as the Spitfire, Messerschmitt Bf 109, Mustang, English Electric Lightning and General Dynamics F-16 are aircraft which all serve to underline this point and whether you are a committed modeller of many years standing, or relative novice, a scale representation of the very latest dominator of the skies will always be of interest to a great many people. At the present time, the aircraft which arguably qualifies as the most suitable continuation of the aviation phenomenon is the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, an aircraft which is the intended replacement for the hugely successful F-16 Fighting Falcon and quite possibly the most important combat aircraft in world service today - who wouldn't want a model representation of one of these awesome machines?
In this latest edition of Workbench, we will be looking at a new tooling project which is our scale modelling tribute to this 5th Generation aviation powerhouse, an aircraft which is set to rival the F-16 Fighting Falcon in not only becoming one of the most significant aircraft in US service, but also one which will allow many of the world's air forces to operate a type which represents the very pinnacle of aviation technology. Benefitting from significant input from the designer responsible for the new project, we will discover why this new kit will be unique amongst the models which make up the 2023 Airfix model range and how it has such a vitally important role to play in the immediate future of our beloved hobby. Featuring our usual exclusive selection of supporting imagery, please join us as we take our first blog overview of the development of the new Airfix 1/72nd scale Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II Starter Set project. Our new scale STOVL sensation is front and centre in this latest edition of our Workbench blog.
F-35 - Mission ready, combat capable
With almost 900 aircraft now delivered, the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is already living up to its reputation as one of the most capable combat aircraft ever to have taken to the skies.
There can be no doubting the aviation credentials of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, an aircraft which was not without its detractors throughout its development, but one which now represents the very pinnacle of aviation operability, or as Lockheed Martin would say, 'The most capable and survivable aircraft the world has ever known'. Despite its impressive list of capabilities, it would probably be fair to say that the F-35 has yet to fully capture the hearts of aviation enthusiasts, even though our heads tell us it probably should. Perhaps that's because the F-35 will ultimately be replacing several much-loved 'classic' types in world service, such as the Tornado GR4 and the widely adopted F-16 Fighting Falcon, but you know what they say, you can't stand in the way of progress, so we will probably get there before too long.
I myself remember clinging to the perimeter fence at RAF Marham for the final disbandment formation flight of the Tornado in Royal Air Force service in February 2018, joining thousands of fellow enthusiasts in hoping to document the distressing, impending withdrawal of the RAF's remaining Tornados. As the first few F-35 jets were already operating from the base and were actually flying sorties on the far side of the airfield as we all awaited the Tornado main event, they almost appearing to be revelling in the part they were playing in this aviation transfer of power from old to new, although I have to say it seemed a little inappropriate on the day, under such circumstances.
During the day, I had the opportunity to speak with Station Commander Group Captain Ian 'Cab' Townsend, as he made his way along the fence line, chatting to the gathered masses. I remember saying to him then something along the lines of "Look at all these people gathered here to pay their respects to a British aviation icon - that modern thing on the other side of the airfield will never be held in the same regard". At that, he smiled at me and said, "I wouldn't be too sure about that - the F35 is in a different league from a capability perspective and as we get more of them, you're going to love it!" Perhaps he was right and even the world of aviation can't stand in the way of progress. Whatever our opinion, the F-35 is now here to stay and as we look forward to another year of Airshows, it will certainly be a headline performer at whichever show is lucky enough to have one in its display programme.
Before we examine the work our designer Paramjit Sembhi has done in allowing the new 1/72nd scale F-35B kit to take its place in the 2023 Airfix range, it's probably appropriate to first look at the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II in a little more detail, to understand why this has already become one of the most important combat aircraft in the history of flight.
A design file screengrab which clearly illustrates the size of the task Paramjit faced in replicating the sweeping curves of the F-35, one of the most complex and technologically advanced aircraft ever produced.
For the British aviation enthusiast, any aircraft which boasts STOL performance will immediately have us all comparing it with the much loved BAe Harrier, a unique aircraft which was a triumph for Britain's aviation industry and the envy of the world at that time. Some of us will even remember marvelling at the Airshow performances of the BAe Harrier and how there really was something special about seeing an eleven ton warplane hovering on a column of hot air, gracefully bowing in our direction, before transiting to forward flight and speeding off into the distance. Perhaps this affection also had something to do with the fact that this was a British invention we were all rightly proud of and in Harrier, we had an aircraft which led the world.
In those days, who could have imagined taking all the unique qualities of the Harrier and making everything much better – a faster, stealthier, more powerful, more agile aeroplane, featuring new technologies and avionics and boasting a devastating array of weapons options to allow it to dominate the sky? That's exactly what has been achieved with the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, arguably the world’s most effective fighting aeroplane and one which any air force would love to have patrolling their airspace. From a nationalistic perspective, as BAe Systems are still involved, can we finally begin to accept the F-35 as our new Harrier?
As an aviation project, it seems as if the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is always attracting the attention of the media, usually as they discuss the eye-watering costs associated with this project and why we need such expensive warplanes at a time of relative peace across the world. As more F-35s enter service across the world, this media conversation appears to have moved on to more positive matters and how this magnificent aircraft is now living up to its potential and may even be the most important combat aircraft in the world - funnily enough, cost is rarely mentioned these days.
For anyone who has watched one of the many online documentaries discussing the history of this aircraft, or may even have been fortunate enough to enjoy a presentation by someone involved in the development of this aircraft, our opinions will have probably already mellowed somewhat. For those in the know, it is not a question of how much the F-35 costs, but how many our particular air force get hold of! According to pilots with F-35 experience, this is a truly awesome aeroplane and one which is a technological quantum leap ahead of anything else currently in the skies. Rather than describe this as an Air-to-Air fighter, it is probably more accurately described as an Air-to-Everything platform, it really is that good.
As the largest kit produced in our new breed of Starter Set kits, the new Airfix F-35B kit will be coming into contact with many thousands of novice and more experienced modellers and therefore not only has an important role to play in the future of this famous brand, but also the wider modelling hobby.
The Lockheed F-35 Lightning project began in 1990s and was a program intended to produce a capable new combat aircraft which was not just a modern replacement for the F-16 Fighting Falcon, but actually a replacement for several US aircraft types in service at that time. Crucially, it was intended to use the same basic design to provide a new aircraft for the US Air Force, the US Navy and the US Marine Corps, quite a tall order for the design team. In addition to this, development included the involvement of partner nations, as it was intended that the new aircraft was always going to be available as an export option.
Making use of all the very latest cutting edge technologies, and with a punishing design brief to satisfy, the project was beset with delays and cost overruns from the outset and with the media regularly commenting only on the negative aspects of the project, it really did seem as if more people wanted the project cancelled than those who wanted to see it in service and patrolling world skies. Thankfully, with the F-35 now in widespread service, all those issues seem to be in the past and this impressive multi-role aircraft is finally showing the world what it can do.
The F-35 comes with quite a reputation and from a design perspective, employs a bewildering combination of technologies which have only been possible over recent years. Significantly superior to anything potential adversaries could develop and introduce in the next 20 years or so, this really is a technological marvel, an aircraft designed to outlast all of its potential combat competitors. Described as being three times more effective in recognising and neutralising enemy air defences than any other aircraft, it is also second only to the F-22 Raptor in its air superiority capabilities and is claimed to be the most affordable, lethal and supportable aircraft ever produced.
Another exclusive image taken straight from Paramjit's computer and showing the full shape data from his new Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning tooling design. We think this kit is going to be a rather popular addition to the range.
As enthusiasts will be fully aware, the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II has been produced in three distinctly different variants, each one intended for a different branch of the US military and each one possessing unique features and capabilities.
F-35A - The major variant of the aircraft and the one intended for use by the US Air Force. This variant is intended to be operated from conventional runways and will be by far and away the most numerous variant of the aircraft - with many overseas operators intended, this is the variant which is most closely aligned to being an effective F-16 Fighting Falcon replacement.
F-35B - Arguably the most exciting and technologically advanced variant, one which is STOVL (Short Take Off and Vertical Landing) capable and employs innovative variable thrust technology. This variant can take off in extremely short distances and land vertically, attributes which make it suitable for use off aircraft carriers and similar to the Harrier, capable of operating from short field locations and those which are described as dispersed and rudimentary at best. This is the variant operated by the Royal Air Force/Royal Navy, the US Marine Corps and the Italian Air Force.
F-35C - The variant produced for the US Navy and indeed, this is the first stealth fighter and the world's only 5th generation long-range stealth strike fighter designed and built specifically for aircraft carrier operations. This variant will be operated exclusively by the US Navy and features more robust undercarriage, greater on-board fuel carrying capability, arrestor gear and larger wings for better low speed operational capabilities. As a common design feature for all aircraft operating from the decks of an aircraft carrier, the outer sections of the F-35C's wings fold for better on carrier operability, the only variant to have this feature.
Britain's F-35 is the exciting 'B' variant and with deployment of the aircraft already having taken place onboard the nation's new Supercarriers, it's safe to say that the F-35 is now the most combat capable aircraft Britain has ever been able to call upon. On 26th January 2010, Sqn Ldr Steve Long became the first British pilot to fly the F-35 and in July 2012, the UK Government announced its intention to purchase an initial batch of 48 aircraft. The UK's first frontline Lightning unit arrived at RAF Marham on 6th June 2018, when the famous No.617 Squadron welcomed the first four aircraft to have just made the Trans-Atlantic flight from the US. Six aircraft from No.207 Sqn, the Lightning OCU, landed at Marham on 16th July 2019 and a second operational unit, No.809 Naval Air Squadron, is expected to begin forming later this year. It's thought that Britain has taken delivery of 30 F-35 Lightnings so far, however, it remains to be seen if the initially intended procurement of 138 aircraft will ultimately materialise.
To this point, 890 aircraft have already been delivered to US operators and 16 international allies/partners. Possessing incredible computing power, each F-35 is described as being an aviation 'Quarterback in the sky', actually shaping the battlefield and making it more survivable for other, more numerous (if less capable) 4th generation combat aircraft. Stealthy but not invisible to radar, the F-35 has been described as having the radar signature of a bird rather than a combat aircraft, and when combined with other technologies, is designed to diminish the effectiveness of enemy radar detection capabilities to such a point where it can get close enough to destroy it using one of its internally carried weapons, but crucially, before the enemy can detect the F-35 Lightning to launch its own attack.
Once a control of the skies has been achieved, the Lightning can carry 4 weapons internally and many more on six wing mounted external hard points and is effectively positioned as a first look, first shoot, first kill combat aircraft platform. The most capable, survivable and affordable combat aircraft the world has ever known, the awesome capabilities of the F-35 Lightning will be regularly enhanced throughout its service life with clever software architecture offering almost unlimited potential for future operational improvements, for what is already an incredibly capable aircraft. Intended to be in service for at least the next 40 years, the era of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning is here and now and it undoubtedly has a significant role to play in the future of world air power.
Britain's capable new aircraft in scale model kit form
Paramjit's skeleton model for the F-35, with the extruded sections highlighting areas which will require individual parts to be designed, or in this case, additional detail to be incorporated into the major components.
With its growing reputation as one of the world's most advanced combat aircraft and the latest high-profile addition to Britain's combat aviation inventory, it really was only a matter of time before the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning attracted the attentions of the Airfix design team and we are pleased to confirm that that time is now. The announcement of the latest Airfix model range included confirmation that a newly tooled 1/72nd scale F-35B kit would be joining the range in 2023, a kit which would be the latest addition to our popular and strategically important new breed of Starter Set designs. In fact, this new kit was going to be the largest and most ambitious new Starter Set project undertaken to date.
An aircraft type which has still to introduce itself to many modellers and Airshow enthusiasts, the F-35B is without doubt the most capable combat aircraft ever to see British service and with a projected out of service date of 2070, is destined to become arguably one of the most significant aircraft in Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm history. As such, this new kit holds the potential to influence the modelling hobby for many years to come, particularly as it occupies a noteworthy position within our new range of Starter Set kits, designed specifically for the first time or novice modeller.
As this is probably going to be the kit most youngsters will be keen to get their hands on in the immediate aftermath of experiencing their first F-35 Airshow display, it clearly has quite an important role to play in the future of the Airfix brand and the wider modelling hobby, a kit which has to be simple, enjoyable and intuitive to build, whilst at the same time being an accurate and appealing representation of an aircraft type which is destined to become a firm favourite with youngsters for several decades to come. Having accepted all that, there clearly wasn't too much pressure on Product Designer Paramjit Sembhi (slightly ironic) as he embarked on this new project, but thankfully, that's just the way he likes it.
At the start of this project, Paramjit told us that he actually inherited some quite mature design and research files with F-35 and was able to make a good start, even though this information wasn't exactly what he needed and could only be used as a project guide. We already had a Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning model within our Quickbuild range, but as the files produced in support of this project were only ever going to be of limited use to Paramjit, he decided to embark on his own research, with the intention of providing a bit of inspiration for his upcoming project. As a committed and proficient modeller himself, Paramjit wanted to assess similar model kit offerings which were already on the market, looking at where he could incorporate improvements in his own design, particularly as his kit was intended to be built by the less experienced and possibly even first time modeller.
In effect, what he was going to have to do was design a kit which was an accurate representation of the F-35B Lightning with a low part count, making it easy to construct and was extremely easy on the eye once built, whilst at the same time incorporating innovations which would make the build process both enjoyable and rewarding. Significantly, once it was built and on display, the model should remind the modeller of the display which initially inspired them to take their first steps in the modelling world and to leave them feeling pleased that they did.
Design image delights, all courtesy of Paramjit and all straight from his F-35B project design files. This first image shows the cockpit detail and the additional depth of parts PJ had to design into this largest Starter Set project to date.
With the inability to break the design into separate assembly sections, a Starter Set design brings a unique set of challenges for the designer, particularly when it comes to the depth of parts the tooling mould has to incorporate. This is the cockpit design viewed from below and part of the main to fuselage/wing mould.
A view of the lower fuselage section from inside, showing how Paramjit designed the lower front (cockpit) section as a separate component and how it joins to the main section. You will also note the A1 mark moulded on the inside of the part, this is because it is so large that it will be supplied as a free part and not on any part tree and therefore needed to be identified for assembly instruction purposes.
The same lower fuselage/wing component viewed from the outside, showing all the detail Paramjit had to include in this particularly large part and where the lower nose part is attached to the model.
A thing of Starter Set beauty. It can be quite the challenge to keep the part count low, whilst at the same time including all the surface detail Airfix kits are famous for. I think we can already see that this kit will build into an impressive scale representation of this distinctive and highly capable multi-role aircraft.
Moving on to the subject of the kit's design phase itself, we wanted to ask Paramjit if there were any limitations or restrictions placed on him at the outset of the project, particularly as this was going to be a Starter Set model. He told us that whilst there weren't any direct restrictions imposed, as an experienced designer, he instinctively knew what the requirements of the kit had to be, namely a low part count and simplified, intuitive construction. These requirements actually hold more challenges for a designer than might initially meet the eye, as everything still has to be designed within the strict parameters of the injection moulding industry, even though this type of kit can be very different from a traditional project. For one of our new breed of Starter Set kits, this usually means larger individual components containing greater levels of moulded detail, something which itself can present many a challenge when attempting to ensure the new tool will mould correctly during manufacture. In 1/72nd scale, everything about the new F-35 Lightning was going to be much bigger than any new Starter Set which had gone before it and would therefore pose some significant design challenges for Paramjit to overcome.
Paramjit went on to tell us that probably the most challenging aspect of the initial design phase was the accurate scaling of the design files he inherited, with almost every single facet of this data having to be re-worked, ensuring that the complex shapes of the F-35 could be accurately replicated in scale form at every stage. He was able to use most of this inherited data to produce his basic skeleton model, however, from this point forward, every single aspect of the design would have to be worked anew, with the split of the parts being just as challenging, if not more so than with the design of any traditional kit. His main concern was to figure out how to actually design the kit in line with what he had envisaged in his mind, because he knew that if he could achieve this, the new kit would be just the ticket.
The eventual design would feature three major kit components, the lower fuselage half, front lower fuselage section (underside of the cockpit area) and a large single piece top fuselage section, which incorporated the wing tops, flaperons, main fuselage and cockpit sections, with all the associated surface detailing. In order to provide the inherent strength the kit would need, Paramjit designed a main spar arrangement and engine intake blanking plate, both of which added the required rigidity during construction, with the latter also providing quite a pleasing aesthetic appearance to the completed model when viewed from the front.
As the new kit featured less parts, Paramjit knew that the larger components would need to incorporate lots of detail and all the associated surfacing detail which would make this such an appealing model, but as a consequence, they may also be slightly deeper in profile than usual. That being the case, he therefore had to ensure that these really quite large parts would not cause problems when it came to the tooling layout design and the eventual manufacturing process. He told us that the cockpit detail and the sheer depth of this section did cause him some concern and had him scratching his head on several occasions. Whilst he wanted to include some appealing detail, he was worried that in doing so, he could be including features which might cause him some manufacturing issues further down the line.
The air intake blanking piece Paramjit designed to add strength to the kit and provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance for the completed model when viewed from the front. This image shows the underside of the main top fuselage/wing part.
The next two images are design file screenshot representations of the model completed in very different configurations, firstly in aggressive forward flight configuration and secondly, in its unique Airshow crowd entertaining hovering configuration. Complete with the now iconic shadow stand base, the kit will be supplied with parts to allow either stand stem configuration to be used.
To add to his many challenging considerations, the sheer size of the major components and the way these parts would join together during assembly brought with them a further series of issues, with the potential for part misalignment being a real worry. In order to overcome this, Paramjit had to slightly increase the wall thicknesses of these components and when combined with the main spar and engine intake blanking piece features, provided the strength and rigidity the kit would need.
In summary, Paramjit's initial design concerns centred around making the kit as simple as possible from a construction perspective, but to accurately replicate the iconic shape of the Lockheed Martin F-35B. He was also clear from the outset that he wanted to do something different with the display stand stems, as the new kit could be built in two very different configurations. If the modeller wanted to finish their kit with the F-35 in aggressive high speed flight configuration, he wanted to include a display stem option to display the model either banking to port or starboard, however, if they had been inspired by an F-35B's hovering capabilities having seen one display at an Airshow, he also wanted to include a second stem which supported this option. Complete with the now standard shadow stand base, these innovations will hopefully become an enjoyable feature of this new kit and really complete that first build experience effectively.
Other features Paramjit hopes builders of this new kit will appreciate is how he has managed to replicate the distinctive RAM tape detail (Radar Absorbent Material) which is used to cover panel lines on the aircraft, and a feature he described as being something of a disappointment on many of the kits he had checked out as part of his research, on kits already in the marketplace. Designed intentionally to be a much more subtle feature, he hopes this will help to give the finished model a much more aesthetically pleasing appearance, irrespective of whether the modeller decides to paint their model or not.
In addition to this, he hopes such features as the poseable jet pipe of the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, the dual display options and the blanked off front air intake openings will all add to the appeal of a model which is surely destined to become a firm favourite following its release. He also told us that the design of the kit utilises something he described as 'Submarine Feed Gates', a more expensive way of designing the tool, but one which better supports the manufacturing of larger, more complex components to be moulded, something which will certainly benefit this impressive new kit.
Designed to impress, the new Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning Starter Set kit has an important role to play in the future of both Airfix and the wider hobby, but we are sure it has risen (or should that be hovered) to this significant challenge.
A test build of the new kit on Paramjit's home modelling workbench, showing how he managed to incorporate an impressive level of surface detailing into the kit, without going over the top. We think this kit is going to be an incredibly popular addition to the range this year.
Even though it has been specifically designed to take its place amongst our new breed of Starter Set kits and as such, is of simpler construction and features less parts, it's still a beautiful representation of this distinctive and capable new aircraft. It will allow modellers of all abilities to build and display a scale example of the RAF's most exciting aircraft and in a relatively short period of time. As a parting shot, Paramjit told us that he hopes most people will manage to build this new kit in just a couple of enjoyable hours and to have an appealing scale Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning model on display that they, and others, will be able to admire for many years to come.
We would like to thank Paramjit for allowing us this insight into his latest design project and for sending us this fantastic selection of images we have shared with our readers throughout this feature. We will be returning to this new kit in a forthcoming blog, where we will be looking at build model samples, box artwork and the scheme detail options to be included with the initial release from this new tooling project. Until then, you will find this F-35B Starter Set kit, a 'Then and Now' dual release with a Spitfire and a '617 Squadron' Dambusters dual set all featuring this new kit and all available for pre-order.
We are afraid that's all we have for you in this latest edition, but we will be back next Friday with more project development updates and the very latest Airfix kit exclusives. In the meantime, we are always keen to hear your views on all things Airfix and in particular, any thoughts and opinions you may have regarding our Workbench blog. If you would like to drop us a quick line, could we please ask that you use our workbench@airfix.com email for all correspondence.
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